Are you looking to stay cool without an energy bill through the roof? Here are a few tips on how you can keep cool and reduce your energy costs!
Adjust your thermostat
Try to keep your thermostat at a temperature cool enough to keep you comfortable, and then bump it up one degree. If you have a programmable thermostat, design it so the air conditioner does not have to run all day, but your house still cools down when you get back home.
To conserve extra energy, try to only run the A/C in rooms that are being used. Cool air can still circulate to rooms that don’t have the A/C unit turned on.
Unplug “vampire” devices
When someone turns off a device, they assume it stops using power. However, most electronics that are plugged in continue to use energy even when they’re not turned on. To help save money and conserve energy, try to unplug electronics from the outlet whenever you’re not going to use them for a while or before bed.
Tip: If you are going on vacation for an extended time, unplug your TV, kitchen appliances, and lamps. It’s a great item to add to your “to-do” list before heading out for your trip!
Use fans instead of A/C
If you’re looking to lower your energy bill considerably this summer, try using ceiling and floor fans. Fans consume a much smaller amount of energy than A/C. While they don’t cool the air, they circulate air in spaces for a cooling effect instead of driving the temperature down like an air conditioner.
Tend to your Plants Outside
Direct sunlight is a significant contributor to high temperatures in your home during the summer. Planting shrubs or trees around the home’s exterior, especially around areas with large areas, may help reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering your home. Plants surrounding your house will keep it shaded from the sun’s rays as the greenery will be able to absorb the heat. Plus, it will add nice curb appeal to your home!
Reduce your Oven Use
If you love to cook, you may want to consider switching to stove-top or outdoor cooking in the warmer months. Turning on the oven may naturally increase your home’s temperature and require the A/C to work harder to cool the space down. If you use the stove, try to use it during the cooler hours of the day, such as the evening.
